Director of Operations - Existing Building

LERCH BATES•Eden Prairie, MN

4d•$144,000 - $169,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lerch Bates is seeking a hands-on leader to oversee and grow our building envelope repair and modernization practice. This is a technical leadership role for an experienced professional who enjoys leading teams while remaining actively involved in project execution. As the Director of Operations, you will oversee project delivery, team performance, business operations, and strategic growth while continuing to contribute directly to investigations, rehabilitation design, repair strategies, and modernization projects for existing buildings. This role is focused on existing building rehabilitation and restoration, not new construction design. You will serve as both a business leader and technical advisor, guiding project teams, developing client relationships, mentoring staff, and helping drive the continued growth of the practice.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related discipline
8+ years of experience in architecture, engineering, construction management, forensics, rehabilitation, or existing building consulting
2+ years of leadership experience with team management, revenue accountability, business development, and operational oversight
Strong understanding of building structures, building envelope systems, rehabilitation, restoration, and existing building construction
Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing teams
Strong financial, project management, and operational planning capabilities
Ability to build trusted relationships with clients, project teams, and industry stakeholders
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and changing deadlines
Ability to read and interpret drawings and construction documents
Demonstrated commitment to quality, consistency, and attention to detail

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE), Structural Engineer (SE), or Architecture (AIA) license preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and manage a small technical team, supporting growth in technical expertise, project management, and professional development
Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance discussions, and development planning with team members
Serve as a technical mentor while remaining actively involved in project execution
Participate in company initiatives and foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment
Lead and actively contribute to projects involving existing building investigations, repair strategies, rehabilitation, restoration, and modernization
Manage projects ranging from quick-turn assessments to large, highly complex projects
Coordinate staffing and resource planning to achieve utilization and revenue goals
Review Consultant and Specialist deliverables to ensure quality, consistency, compliance, and adherence to project schedules
Support proposal development through technical expertise and staffing recommendations
Provide high-touch client engagement on sensitive or high-profile projects
Manage invoicing and project-related operational responsibilities
Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and industry partners
Identify opportunities for growth, service expansion, and operational improvements
Anticipate market trends, client needs, and industry changes while developing strategies to capitalize on opportunities or mitigate risks
Participate in forecasting, revenue planning, resource planning, and departmental performance tracking
Support annual business planning, including growth strategies, staffing, training, and revenue targets